7 of the best family trips to take with kids aged 2 to 7
Want to give your little ones their first big travel adventure? These great trips are perfect for young families
1. Mayan marvels in Guatemala & Belize
Ancient Temples and Caribbean Isles, Journey Latin America
For travellers with kids aged 2 and over
Introduce your kids to real-life myths and legends on this 2-week independent Ancient Temples and Caribbean Isles trip – where Mayan history and culture is brought to life. If you’re looking for an opportunity to bond with your little ones over shared adventures, this private trip is for you.
Nothing beats hiking though Guatemalan rainforest to find ancient Mayan temples and pyramids: your kids will be fascinated by the stories that lie within. Spot howler monkeys on nature walks, snorkel in warm Caribbean waters, discover colonial towns (where the locals will be eager to fuss over your tots), and kayak on Lake Atitlán.
Week two takes you to Belize, where you’ll rest up in a remote riverside cabin camp, with only rainforest-dwelling wildlife for company. There are lots of outdoor activities to try, or you can simply chill out. The pearly white beaches of Ambergris Caye await for your final few days – the snorkelling and swimming here are fantastic, and there are a plenty of beach bars to keep the grown-ups happy too.
Guatemala’s highlands | Head high for the trip of a lifetime
Guatemala and Belize: the best bits | Our guide to these two great destinations
Top places to visit in Belize | Don’t miss these incredible spots
2. Camel rides and pyramids in Egypt
For travellers with kids aged 5 and over
Feel like intrepid explorers on this classicExplore Egypt adventure: 8 days getting to grips with the best bits along the Nile. You’ll tour Cairo with an Egyptologist guide, meet the Sphinx and visit the pyramids at Giza, take a ride on a camel – and finally take the sleeper train to Aswan. And that’s just day 1!
Riding a camel in Egypt (Shutterstock)
In Aswan, you have the choice to stay in a hotel or fully-catered cruise boat – simply choose the option that works best for you. Visit a Nubian village, take a hot air balloon flight over the Nile, decipher the hieroglyphics in the Valley of the Kings, and wander through Luxor Temple while the sun sets on the river.
There’s also the opportunity to visit a local children’s home which is sponsored by Oasis – guaranteed to broaden your little one’s mind and create some memories that will last a lifetime.
Cruising the Nile, Egypt | Our guide to this awesome journey
The Nile | It’s a travel icon: here’s why
3. Bulgaria: the wild side of Europe
For travellers with kids aged 6 and over
Deep river gorges, dark caves, acres of woodland – Bulgaria is a real-life fairytale setting, and this 8-day High Jinks in Bulgaria Family Adventure trip showcases the best family-friendly activities you can do. You’ll be based in the quaint village of Trigrad, in shared accommodation with a few other families – so the kids can make firm friends while you chill out.
Waterfall in Bulgari (Shutterstock)
And you’ll certainly need some relaxation time: every day of this trip bears a new challenge or activity. Think rock climbing, horse riding, picnicking, hill walking, canyoning in ‘Devil’s Throat’ (which has over 150 caves), and even a night of wild camping. There’s also the chance to try a via ferrata – a rather scary hiking route – under close guidance from an instructor. Perfect if you want to nurture your little one’s adventurous streak.
Short break in Sofia, Bulgaria | Squeeze the most out of your trip
Snowshoeing weekend in Bulgaria | Fancy travelling in winter? Don’t miss this
4. Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes
For travellers with kids aged 5 and over
ThisFamily Land of Ice and Fire trip really lives up to its (rather alarming) name – over 8 days you’ll explore volcanoes, hot springs and glaciers – and even spot whales off the coast of Reykjavik. On the first day, plunge straight into the action in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, before exploring waterfalls and gorges on foot in Thorsmork Nature Reserve – it’s surrounded by mountains and glaciers.
Young woman in Iceland (Shutterstock)
Next up, it’s geysers galore: watch these incredible water spouts erupt, and spy the spectacular 50-metre waterfalls of Gullfoss. You’ll have a day on the Snaefellsnes peninsula – home of untouched beaches and small fishing villages – oh, and a whopping great ice-topped volcano, too.
This is a small-group trip, so you’ll be travelling with other families – always accompanied by a guide leader. Accommodation is in small hotels and a farm lodge, usually within swimming pools and hot springs within reach (so you and the kids must be able to swim).
5 things kids will love to do in Iceland | Including nibbling on an ancient glacier…
20 Icelandic adventures | Which would you choose?
5 ways to be inspired by Iceland | Because it really is incredible…
5. Meet Borneo’s orang-utans
For travellers with kids aged 5 and over
Camping in the jungle, hanging out with orang-utans, bathing in hot springs… the list of escapades on this 12-dayBorneo Family Adventure group trip just goes on and on.
You and the kids will meet Borneo’s ’wild-men’ at Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Project and Proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Sanctuary, and bed down in a jungle camp in the heart of wild Borneo. You’ll go on walking safaris to find crocodiles and macaques, and cruise in a longboat while looking for birds of paradise.
Orang-utans in Borneo (Shutterstock)
An idyllic island awaits, too: if you’ve ever dreamed of snorkelling among tropical fish and turtles with the kids, now’s your chance. Still got energy for more adventures? Head to Kinabalu National Park for trekking routes galore. Finally, soothe your tired limbs in Poring Hot Springs – this is one bathtime the kids really will love.
The best of Borneo | Amazing places, for an amazing trip
Insider’s guide to Borneo | A local expert shares his tips
5 reasons to visit Borneo now | In case you need excuses…
6. Island hopping and volcano climbing in Italy
For travellers with kids aged 5 and over
If your kids think that Italy is just about ice cream and pizza, their eyes will be opened by thisItaly Family Holiday: for one week, you’ll flit between the two great cities of Naples and Sorrento, soaking up the sights with other families for company.
View from a cliff on the island of Capri, Italy (Shutterstock)
This really is a holiday: you’ll meander through the cities’ best bits, and take in the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii at a leisurely pace. If your kids are fascinated by volcanoes, they’ll love climbing up the cone of Vesuvius. A relaxing day on Capri Island and a tour of the Blue Grotto by boat provide a spectacular breath of fresh air – and there’ll be plenty of time to hang out on the beach or in your hotel pool.
And yes – if your children are hankering for pizza and ice cream, they can gorge on their favourites while you tuck into more varied fare: just-caught seafood, heaped bowls of fresh pasta, and locally-made wine, to name but a few…
Italy travel guide | All you need to know
Pizzas and Piazzas in Naples |Two of our favourite things!
10 things to do for free in Naples | Fun things – for free!
7. Whiz through the rainforest in Cuba
For travellers with kids aged 11 and under
You might be itching to visit Cuba before it loses its character, but is there enough to keep the kids entertained? You bet! Over 11 high-energy days, this Cuba Libre! group trip combines history with adventure, culture with wildlife – showcasing Cuba’s best bits for all the family.
First up, Havana: pull on your dancing shoes for a spot of salsa, tour the city’s historical hotspots in a 1950s American car, and bond with the other families over group meals and sightseeing. Vinales National Park is your next stop for rainforest walking routes, treetop zip wires, and bike trails that will take you deep into the wilderness.
Cayo Santa Maria (Shutterstock)
You and the kids deserve a few days relaxing, so kick back on the powdery white beaches of Cayo Santa Maria where sand castles, swimming pools and fruity cocktails await.
Capturing Cuba on camera | It’s a street photographer’s dream…
First 24 hours in Havana, Cuba | Where to go, what to see…
Cycling through Cuba | Could this be the best way to experience Cuba up-close?
Main image: Mother and daughter (Shutterstock)
